Not something for America to be proud of

The only reason that I have a question mark at the end of the title is that I wonder if it was any better at any other time. I certainly don’t remember an election in which people decided on the issues. Maybe America never has been as great as advertised, and I will accept that right now my cynicism is based on the debasing attacks that I see hurled by people like those in the video.

The video in question, of McCain supporters in Johnstown, PA, is difficult to watch. I shudder to think of people in other countries seeing it, and thinking it might represent the United States of America. Because if that’s what we’re united around, it’s frightening.

That video IS extremely disturbing, isn’t it. They sound like an angry mob ready to hurt someone. TIBGuy wrote it well.

It is indeed so sad that people in other countries will see it. It’s embarrassing to be an American many days.

A few years ago I gave a button in support of our incumbent US Senator (a Democrat) to a friend of mine; she wore the button at her retail establishment, which she owns outright. On the very first day a big and burly Republican customer (from out of town, no less) got in her face and gave her a hard time about it. She was intimidated and never wore the button again.

Gosh, Colin Powell yesterday…I watched it. I am so proud of him. He is so genuine. And the Trib…wow…that remarkable endorsement is making the rounds in my neck of the woods, too. It’s great to see.

In a fascinating and hopeful talk by Stephen Pinker, the old days were worse and this kind of thing stands out because civilization is slowly redefining the boundaries of what is acceptable violence. Not a change in human nature, exactly, but we accept responsibilities of life in the social environment. Some people are slower at getting with the program, than others.

Here’s a great little interview of Powell that was on CNN, apparently given as he was leaving the Meet the Press set. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FBQ4D74Kt4
All of it, esp. the last 1/3 of the video, is very well said.